Kalab Samuel Karlek

Kalab Samuel Karlek, 20, of Renton, Washington, died Saturday, June 17, in Bellevue, WA. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Kalab was the son of Sandy Karlek of Bellevue, Washington, and Sarah Karlek of Renton, and the brother of Adam and Beyza Karlek.

Kalab came to America with his adoptive mothers in April of 2004, at the age of 7. He and his brother Adam, who was 3 at the time, spent their first years in the family in Portland, Oregon. He quickly learned English and became a fan of the “chamburger” and pizza, though he always appreciated Ethiopian cuisine. He moved with his family to Bellevue, Washington in 2006.

Kalab was never happier than when he played soccer. As a young child, he played in the streets of Ethiopia. His talent for the sport won him a spot in the Eastside FC Premier organization in 2007 where he played for most of his soccer career. He also played for the Sounders Academy for two years and for Newport High School his junior and senior years. Kalab spent countless hours dribbling and shooting on his own, in formal practice with his clubs, and in pick-up games at various parks around Bellevue and Renton. He later attended Whittier University in 2015 and played soccer with the Poets for a season before deciding he didn’t want to be that far from his family and returning to Washington.

In addition to his passion for soccer, Kalab loved music and studied music production in college. He enjoyed many genres of music and had a particular appreciation for EDM and rap. Kalab’s gentle spirit and patient nature made him a magnet for young children and his many younger cousins adored using him as a jungle gym or being held in his arms. His family often referred to him as a “baby whisperer” due to his knack for soothing crying infants.

Introverted by nature, Kalab struggled with being anywhere near the limelight. He preferred instead to have quiet interactions with friends. He had an impish streak and enjoyed playing practical jokes and delivering humorous one-liners with a straight face. When he did share his shy smile or quiet laugh, he warmed the hearts of those around. On a personal level, Kalab valued friendship and stood by his compatriots and offered kindness and support to those around him. He also took his role as oldest sibling to heart and was fiercely protective of his younger siblings Adam and Beyza.

Being with his birth grandmother in Ethiopia while she died from AIDS made Kalab keenly aware of the suffering of so many in the world. He felt deeply for those without the resources and opportunities he and his family had and was a strong advocate for the ONE organization taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease in Africa. Kalab also combined his passion for soccer with his heart for those in need, advocating for Homeless World Cup, an international organization that uses the game of (real!) football to inspire homeless people to change their lives.

Kalab is survived by his mothers, his brother Adam Karlek, 16, his sister Beyza Karlek, 13, his grandparents on Sandy’s side: Rich and Becky Budke of Kirkland, WA, and Bruce and Terri Larson of Bothell, WA, and on Sarah’s side: Wade and Jennifer Swanson of Modesto, CA and aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides as well as countless friends, teammates, and classmates who hold his memory in their hearts.

A celebration of Kalab’s life will be on Sunday, June 25. AT 5pm a soccer game will be played at Robinswood Park at2432 148th Avenue SE, Bellevue, WA 98007, followed by a Sharing of memories and Celebration of Kalab at Unity of Bellevue 16330 NE 4th St, Bellevue, WA 98008.

In lieu of flowers, Kalab’s family asks that donations be made in Kalab’s memory to ONE (www.one.org) or Homeless World Cup (www.homelessworldcup.org).

Under the direction of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Bellevue, WA.